Press release
Minister Bruton announces Non-mainstream Music Education Bursary Scheme 2018 awardees
Published on
Last updated on
Published on
Last updated on
The Minister for Education and Skills, Richard Bruton TD, today (Thursday the 7th of June) announced the successful 35 organisations who will receive a grant under his department’s Non-mainstream Music Education Bursary Scheme 2018.
The purpose of this Scheme is to provide support by way of a cash grant to smaller scale music education/community music initiatives and organisations around the country. These individuals, organisations and groups are providing access for young people and children to varied music education experiences in our communities. In March of this year, the Minister invited applications for grants under the scheme, with 69 applications received. The total budget available in 2018 is €100,000. A full list of the 35 successful recipients is provided below.
Minister Bruton said:
“I am very pleased that we can offer this bursary which will help nurture our talented young musicians and in particular I wish to acknowledge the work of their organisations and the many volunteers who work with them. Supporting young musicians in this way enables them to achieve their full potential as well rounded individuals.”
ENDS
1. Full List of recipients (see below)
2. Criteria used for evaluation of applications
A large number of applications were received from organisations/groups that displayed:
Dublin 12 – St. Agnes’ Community Centre for Music and the Arts CLG (CCMA): Bursary award €15,000
St. Agnes’ Community Centre for Music and the Arts was established in November 2013 by Sr. Bernadette Sweeney. It provides access to music tuition and group classes on an inclusive basis to all young members of the Crumlin community. It currently caters for 350 children and young people per week. The Centre is open five days per week and on occasion they have concerts and events on Saturdays and Sundays also. Their musical aims are primarily based on the principle of access to all. Quality of provision is guaranteed by their expert teaching staff and regular participation in the Royal Irish Academy of Music Grade examinations. Performance opportunities include Orchestral Concerts on an ongoing basis, two summer concerts to showcase CCMA talent and following a Summer Camp in July each year the week culminates in an orchestral concert in Christchurch Cathedral in Dublin. In addition they have an Annual Pantomime and Musical.
Blanchardstown Brass Band, Swords, County Dublin: Bursary award €3,350
The Blanchardstown Brass Band is a traditional British Style Brass Band which was founded in 1826 and they celebrated their 191st year of existence last year. They are one of the oldest Brass Bands in Ireland. The organisation is governed by a voluntary committee and they have a band room in Blanchardstown village for practicing. Most of their youth members have learned to play music as a result of their band membership. The band performs around the Dublin 15 area for concerts and special events as required. Typical programmes include Marches, Overtures and Light Classical music, Music from Shows and Film, Irish and International Music. A professional Music Director provides individual lessons and rehearsals for members to improve their ability. The overall objective is to give members the opportunity to learn and play a brass instrument to an expert level in a community setting. Most members are not in a position to buy their own instrument so they are provided with a professional level instrument while playing with the band. The bursary will be used to purchase instruments, equipment and individual support for young people in an inclusive manner. It will enable the continuity of teaching children in a non-mainstream music education programme and simultaneously ensure the future of one of the oldest bands in Ireland.